U.S. wine sales posted 2% growth in the 12 months ended December 2017, bw166 reported, as did sales through multiple-outlet and convenience stores tracked by IRI. Total U.S. wine sales reached $42 billion in the period. Consumers' embrace of direct-to-consumer (DtC) made it the strongest channel in the period, rising 16% to $2.7 billion. Winery hiring increased 8% for the year, driven by strong demand for vineyard workers.